If you are thinking about becoming a certified genealogist or if you have thought about hiring one, you may be wondering what Genealogical Proof Standard is. This is a standard set up by professional genealogists that demonstrates the work has been thoroughly researched. It would be beneficial to conduct the same standard of research and logic in your own genealogy work. There are five basic parts of the proof standard.
The first is that search has looked at several reliable resources for the information. This means looking at the census and other records in order to establish that you have the correct person. It is important to look at multiple documents to be sure that you have the same person, with the correct dates. It is also important to look at documents that have different information in order to determine which information is correct.
The second part of the Proof Standard is to have a document that cites all of the sources from which you pulled your information. This is important because it lets others re trace your work and verify the information. It can also help you later if you have a problem with your findings or explaining your research.
The last three are very similar. Basically you should include an explanation of your sources, how you drew your conclusions and what you decided. If you have sources with different information than what you have concluded, then you need to be able to explain why you think the information is wrong and back it up. Finally you make a conclusion as to whether or not the research can be considered accurate and reliable based on your research. Sometimes too many sources will have conflicting information and you will not be able to make that conclusion.
The Genealogical Proof of Standard is a great goal to work towards as a hobbyist. If you are a professional it is important that you understand and work towards it each time you take on a professional project. With time and work you should be able to do that.
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